Presented to the Alberni Valley Community, December 2021, by Major Michael Ramsay
December 2021
Isaiah 9:6-7a
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
This was verse that I had to memorize as a small child growing up on the Island here. It was my line is a Church Christmas pageant. The Christmas pageants were always quite exciting and performing in them was always a little nerve-racking. The church was always filled to capacity – even the balconies and the lobbies were full. There were stage lights shining on you. There was the microphone in front of you. With all of this going on it could be very difficult to remember your line. Thankfully, I did. And I still do. This memory verse has stayed with me decades later and there is not an Advent Season that passes without my reflecting on this passage. I am so thankful for that.
I am so thankful for the Lord. I am thankful that God sent his only begotten son who we can serve forever. I am thankful as well for the many ways we are able to serve. I am blessed in that I am able to serve in the Salvation Army. As a soldier in this army, one is able provide food, clothing, spiritual, emotional support and much more on a daily basis. Another way we can all serve the Prince of Peace and His government is through prayer and singing praises. I know many people who remember our Lord and Saviour and how he has provided for them and others every time they hear a Christmas Carol. We lived in Saskatchewan for a few years. One of the premiers of that province came into a saving relationship with Jesus from the lyrics in Christmas Carols.
This Christmas I would like to encourage you to remember: remember the Scriptures you learned as a child; remember the Christmas Carols you have sang over the years; remember the Lord as we celebrate the anniversary of His birth. Remember Him, how He loves you, how He will never leave you nor forsake you, and I encourage you to remember that we do have the opportunity to be a part of His Kingdom of Peace for both now and forever more.
Have a blessed Christmas.
From all of us at The Salvation Army
Captain Michael Ramsay
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